الاتحاد للطيران has announced a new seasonal service connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg, beginning on 17 December 2026. This service will operate four times a week until 21 March 2027, marking the first direct flight from Gothenburg to Asia. With this route, travellers can easily connect to destinations across India and Asia with just a single stop at Abu Dhabi.
Connecting Sweden’s West Coast to Abu Dhabi
This new airline route directly links Sweden’s west coast with the capital of the United Arab Emirates, enabling quick transit into desirable Asian destinations via Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi. Visitors to Abu Dhabi will find a diverse range of experiences readily accessible, from kayaking through the mangroves of Jubail Island to exploring the museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District and the grand Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Additionally, the airline’s stopover programme allows eligible guests to include hotel stays of up to two nights, turning their journey into an opportunity to explore the capital.
Seamless Transfers for Passengers
For travellers flying from Gothenburg, arriving in Abu Dhabi by evening facilitates a smooth connection to a wide network of flights in Asia, which includes major destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo.
A New Addition to Etihad’s 2026 Routes
Gothenburg becomes the fifteenth new destination launched by Etihad Airways in 2026. The flights will be operated using the modern Airbus A321LR, featuring two first-class suites, 14 business class seats, and 144 seats in economy class.
Comfort and Connectivity on Board
The first and business class cabins offer beds that convert into fully flat beds, ensuring direct aisle access, while the economy class features comfortable seating equipped with 13.3-inch high-definition touchscreen monitors showcasing hundreds of hours of movies, TV shows, and music on demand. High-speed Wi-Fi is also available throughout the aircraft, enhancing the in-flight experience.
Discovering Gothenburg
In the reverse direction, Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, showcases the essence of Scandinavia. Situated at the mouth of the Göta River, it’s a short ferry ride from the city centre, offering visitors vibrant seafood markets, the renowned Liseberg amusement park, and the picturesque wooden streets of Haga.
Statements from Etihad Leadership
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, remarked on the significance of the Airbus A321LR for such routes, stating, “This new service will afford Gothenburg a direct connection to Abu Dhabi and onwards to India and Southeast Asia. It offers the first direct flight to Asia for the region and gives visitors the chance to discover Abu Dhabi before continuing their journey.”
Looking Forward to New Connections
Mats Johansson, CEO of Swedavia, expressed anticipation for the collaboration, noting, “We are eager to welcome Etihad Airways in December. This marks the first direct flight linking Gothenburg with the UAE, enhancing connectivity especially for businesses in Western Sweden that operate extensively in Asia, as well as for travellers with family and friends in the region.”
Booking Information
Tickets for the new service are now available for booking online at etihad.com.
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About Etihad Airways
Established in 2003, Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and has quickly become one of the world’s leading carriers. Operating from its hub in Abu Dhabi, it provides passenger and cargo services across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America. Its extensive network, in collaboration with partner airlines, facilitates access to hundreds of international destinations.
About Swedavia
Swedavia operates and develops ten airports across Sweden. Its mission is to facilitate air travel and business, ensuring customer safety and satisfaction. Swedavia is a leader in creating environmentally friendly airport operations, with all ten airports achieving fossil fuel-free status since 2020.
For more information, please contact:
Duty Media Officer, Etihad Airways
Email: [email protected]